Utility of CT and MRI in assessment of mandibular involvement in oral cavity cancer

Abstract

Objective: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may present with early invasion of mandibular bone. Preoperative planning of surgery is essential considering patient's postoperative quality of life. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of computer tomography scan (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting mandibular bone involvement in oral SCC. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 98 patients with SCC of floor of mouth, lower alveolus and retromolar trigone operated on with curative intent. Preoperative CT and MRI scans were re-reviewed by a consultant radiologist and original histology slides were re-reviewed by 3 pathologists. Results: Forty-five patients were included in the final study. Combined CT and MRI had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 72%. Conclusion: The results suggest that combined CT and MRI have diagnostic utility in detecting mandibular invasion by oral cancer, but with a significant false positive rate. Keywords: Oral cavity SCC, CT, MRI, Mandibular invasion, Diagnostic accuracy